the wineries of el dorado county
Transcription
the wineries of el dorado county
PO Box 1614 • Placerville, CA 95667 • (800) 306-3956 THE WINERIES OF EL DORADO COUNTY www.eldoradowines.com OUR EVENTS OUR REGION Bring Out the Barrel For one weekend you get to discover the new vintages and explore the nuances of soon-to-be released wines while they are still in barrels. Greater El Dorado The western side of our region is where the Sierras start to rise, climbing from the valley and the American River, and the land, the wineries and the wines have a character all their own. Passport Weekends Don’t miss this once a year, all-access pass to wine-and-food pairings, music and friendship in our region-wide party. (March/April) Pleasant Valley Wineries and vineyards here seem draped over hilltops. The landscape is dotted with oaks, horse ranches, and waves of white fences alongside the vineyards. These layers add to the foothill charm and give even more texture to the hilltop views and wines. Outdoor Tastings and Concerts Wineries host evening and weekend concerts as soon as the weather turns warm. Sit with a picnic on our decks or in our gardens and listen to music while you sip a glass of wine in the glow of the foothills. (Summer) Harvest Celebrations Wineries offer a range of special events where you can see the harvest in action. Food is paired with current wines and you can even taste the wines as they are being made. (Fall) Nevada Day Tasting rooms celebrate the Silver State neighbors and the day in 1864 when Nevada became a state with complimentary tastings, food, fun and promotions all weekend long. (Last weekend in October.) Apple Hill® / Camino There’s a seductive, high-mountain feel in the air along this rolling stretch just north of Highway 50. The area blends long-established wineries and exciting newcomers with apple orchards, vast views and a sense that the American River Canyon is just out of sight. Fair Play This surprising region is close to everything, yet feels like its own world. With thick woods and quiet meadows you’ll find numerous wineries and varied wine styles. For every mountain top vista there’s a tucked-away winery for you to discover. WINERIES AURIGA WINE CELLARS Open Fri. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Auriga wines are made from Sierra Foothill vineyards. This is the historic location of vineyards, which supplied the gold miners (49ers) with wine in the last century. The soils in the foothills are thin and the vines have to struggle to survive, resulting in intense concentrated wines. You can try our award winning Barbera, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and more in our new tasting room on Pleasant Valley Road. 4520 Pleasant Valley Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 647-8078 [email protected] www.aurigawines.com BOEGER WINERY Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Since 1972, Boeger Estate Bottled wines represent consistent quality and great diversity in a tradition of innovation and craftsmanship. We offer both complimentary and reserve wine tasting in our beautiful new tasting facility. Our inviting grounds include patios, a redwood grove, stream, pond, park and historic 1872 wine cellar for your enjoyment. Private events by appointment. 1709 Carson Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-8094 or (800) 655-2634 [email protected] www.boegerwinery.com BUSBY CELLARS Open Fri. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:30 pm We believe the best winemaking starts in the vineyard and our grapes make wines filled with elegance and character. Enjoy the panoramic views from our tasting room and picnic grounds on a hilltop above our estate vineyards. We are just one mile from Somerset corner. 6375 Grizzly Flat Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 344-9119 [email protected] www.busbycellars.com CANTIGA WINEWORKS Open Fri. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Our Gothic-style winery sits on a stunning knoll top looking over our estate vineyards. We’re a family-owned winery with a long winemaking tradition and we produce classic wines that benefit from cellaring and that align with the food. Come enjoy a wine-and-food pairing or discover our unique property and our medieval tapestries. 5980 Meyers Lane (P.O. Box 66) Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 621-1696 [email protected] www.cantigawine.com CEDARVILLE VINEYARD Tastings and tours by appointment We welcome visitors, by appointment, for tours and tasting inside our energy efficient winery and caves. Our organically farmed estate vineyard sits atop 2,500 ft. elevation hilltop in beautiful Fair Play. The minerality and bright fruit character of our unique site shines through in our estate bottled Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône varietals. 6320 Marestail Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-9463 [email protected] www.cedarvillevineyard.com CIELO ESTATE Open Sat. - Thurs., 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and Fri., 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Cielo’s picturesque estate is a small bit of heaven in the foothills. Come taste our elegant wines, and spend the day unwinding and roaming our 41 tranquil acres. With our flawlessly restored Victorian, we are also the ideal setting for weddings and superbly tailored celebrations. 3040 Ponderosa Road Shingle Springs, CA 95682 (530) 672-8575 [email protected] www.cieloestate.com WINERIES CHATEAU RODIN Open Wed. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Come taste our award-winning wines in the congenial atmosphere of our winery. Our 2,600-foot elevation, Mediterranean climate and thriving hillsides produce wines that are fruity, complex and aromatic and they’ll delight everyone from beginning enthusiasts to connoisseurs. Enjoy our tasting room or our deck with its 100-mile view. 4771 Greenhills Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-6839 [email protected] www.chateaurodin.com COLIBRI RIDGE WINERY & vineyard Open Fri. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment We’re high on a ridge with spectacular views of the foothills. You’ll find our tasting bar inside our working winery, and it provides an intimate tasting experience and an insight into our passion for winemaking. You can picnic among our mature oak trees and granite outcroppings where we offer both vineyard views and romantic privacy. 6100 Gray Rock Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-7255 [email protected] www.colibriridge.com CRYSTAL BASIN CELLARS Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm We’re a circle of longtime friends who make wine from the heart. We focus on small lots of hand made wines from some of El Dorado County’s finest vineyards. Our minimalist style creates delicious fruit forward wines featuring Zinfandel, Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. Join us and experience our legendary foothill hospitality. 3550 Carson Road Camino, CA 95709 (530) 647-1767 [email protected] www.crystalbasin.com FENTON HERRIOTT VINEYARDS Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Let us share our enthusiasm for wine with you when you taste our award-winning wines, crafted to develop intense flavors, complexity and distinction. You can unwind in our picnic area or under the shade of our pavilion and enjoy the spectacular views and peaceful surroundings. Bocce ball courts are available. 120 Jacquier Court Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 642-2021 [email protected] www.fentonherriott.com FITZPATRICK WINERY & LODGE Open Thurs. - Mon., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, or by appointment. We’re Fair Play’s oldest winery and we’re part of a massive log lodge that has five bed-and-breakfast rooms and spectacular views. We make 15 world-class wines from our estate’s certified organic grapes, and we’re a solar powered, bio-fuel driven, eco-friendly winery and lodge operated with Irish hospitality. Ploughman’s Lunch served on weekends. 7740 Fairplay Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-3248 or (800) 245-9166 [email protected] www.fitzpatrickwinery.com DAVID GIRARD VINEYARDS Open daily 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Our vineyards, tucked into rolling hills above the American River and the Gold Rush town of Coloma, are ideal terrain for the wines of southern France’s Rhône Valley. Enjoy our hand crafted wines in a comfortable, elegant setting. Our Tuscan-style event site is a premier destination for weddings, receptions and gatherings. and our new indoor Galleria is ideal for receptions and corporate events. 741 Cold Springs Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 295-1833 [email protected] www.davidgirardvineyards.com WINERIES GOLD HILL VINEYARD & BREWERY Open Thurs. - Sun., 10:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment Come see the stunning views of our vineyards, the foothills, and the rugged American River Canyon. We’ve been here since 1980 and the soils and mild temperatures help us create award-winning Chardonnay, Bordeaux-style reds, Barbera, Rhône varietals and more. Our brewery also produces six uniquely crafted ales. We have two stunning sites for weddings and special events. 5660 Vineyard Lane Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 626-6522 [email protected] www.goldhillvineyard.com GRACE PATRIOT WINES Open Thurs. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm The Grace family has been part of the American Landscape since 1740. Our new state of the art winery in Apple Hill is located on a scenic historic ranch that includes a landmark red barn and an authentically restored 1885 farm house. Savor full bodied reds in the ambiance of the Ranch and experience the awesome panoramic views. We put pride, passion and memories in every bottle. 2701 Carson Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 642-8424 [email protected] www.gracepatriotwines.com HOLLY’S HILL Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Owners Tom and Holly Cooper fell in love with wines from southern France when they shared their first bottle on their honeymoon. Now they share their passion for Rhône wines. The winery is a serene foothill retreat with a comfortable deck, tree-lined picnic area and spectacular views looking over the Cosumnes River Canyon. 3680 Leisure Lane Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 344-0227 [email protected] www.hollyshill.com ILLUMINARE Open Fri. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment Our family invites you to have an “enlightened” experience discovering Illuminare’s unique, intense wines. Our winemaking focuses on maximum extraction in wines such as Zinfandel, Barbera, and Petit Verdot, and in our vibrant Seeing Red blend. Join us and celebrate family, good friends, and, of course, great wine. 3500 Carson Road • Camino, CA 95709 Winery: (530) 306-3873, Tasting Room (530) 647-1884 [email protected] www.illuminarewinery.com JODAR VINEYARDS & WINERY Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Our careful winemaking creates a balance of bold fruit framed with graceful oak. Enjoy our estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Chardonnay, and world-class Port in the warmth of our country tasting room and wooded setting. Taste our weekend food-and-wine pairings. Limos and buses are welcome by appointment. 3405 Carson Court Camino, CA 95667 (530) 644-3474 [email protected] www.jodarwinery.com LATCHAM VINEYARDS Open Thurs. - Mon., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment Tues. - Wed. Our vineyards lie on the slopes above small, beautiful valleys around Fair Play, and they produce wines with unique depth and flavor. We’ve won hundreds of awards over the years, blending modern and traditional techniques that showcase the mountain-grown grapes in our Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvingnon and more. 2860 Omo Ranch Road (P.O. Box 80) Mt. Aukum, CA 95656 (530) 620-6642 or (800) 750-5591 [email protected] www.latcham.com WINERIES LAVA CAP WINERY Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Celebrate with us the magic of our mountain-grown grapes and the special beauty that surrounds our family winery. We produce a gold medal winning list of wines that are rich with full flavors, vibrant fruit, soft tannins and a tantalizing depth. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from our deli on our comfortable deck looking over our vineyards. 2221 Fruitridge Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 621-0175 [email protected] www.lavacap.com MADROÑA Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Whether you are learning about wine or pride yourself on recognizing quality, we know you will enjoy the premium, estate-grown wines of Madroña. The Bush family has been here working these singular vineyards since 1973, and our care and traditional winemaking produces wines that are precise, balanced, and perfect for any occasion. 2560 High Hill Road (P.O. Box 454) Camino, CA 95709 (530) 644-5948 or (800) 230-7662 [email protected] www.MadronaVineyards.com MIRAFLORES Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Our breathtaking vineyards are nestled in a quiet canyon, and our Old World architecture and lovely gardens make us a special place to visit. We believe wine should tell a story, and our handcrafted, artisanal wines reflect our remarkable terroir, the beauty of our land, and our love for the art and the joy of wine. 2120 Four Springs Trail Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 647-8505 [email protected] www.mirafloreswinery.com CHARLES B. MITCHELL VINEYARDS Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Visit us and see why we believe wine can be both wonderful and welcoming. Sample wines from barrels in our cellar before their release. Picnic, play bocce ball, and enjoy wood-fired pizza from our italian pizza oven. We passionately produce 30 award-winning varietals and import French sparklers. 8221 Stoney Creek Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-3467 [email protected] www.charlesbmitchell.com MOUNT AUKUM WINERY Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm We sit on a dazzling mountaintop at 2,615 feet, and our vines cling to steep hillsides in vineyards woven through granite outcroppings. It’s a perfect world for wine grapes, and you can taste that special terroir in all our highlyacclaimed, award-winning wines. Come visit, enjoy our panoramic views and discover an incredible experience. 6781 Tower Road Somerset, CA 95684 P.O. Box 830 Mount Aukum, CA 95656 (530) 620-1675 or (800) 591-WINE [email protected] www.mountaukum.com NARROW GATE VINEYARDS Open Fri. - Sat., 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Enter through the historic barn wood cellar doors into our romantic, candle-lit winery where you’ll taste warm hospitality, Rhône style varietals, blends, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Cab Syrah, refreshing white wines and our popular Chocolate Splash! Our Estate wines, made exclusively from our own certified Biodynamic® vineyards, are our passion, pride and joy. 4282 Pleasant Valley Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 644-6201 [email protected] www.narrowgatevineyards.com WINERIES NELLO OLIVO WINES Open Tues. - Thurs., 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Fri. - Sun., 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Our land once belonged to one of California’s first wineries. Now under passionate, earth-friendly care, our vineyard yields splendid fruit and some of the most celebrated and successful wines in the region. Refreshing, well-balanced and smooth---come taste it at our tasting room in the historic wine cellar of Sequoia Mansion. 643 Bee Street Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 409-5603 [email protected] www.nelloolivo.com OAKSTONE WINERY Open: Fri.-Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm SHADOW RANCH VINEYARD Open Fri.-Sun., 11:00 am – 5:00 pm or by appointment We searched for nearly a decade to find the ideal spot to grow and make premium wines, and when you visit our modern ranch-style tasting room, sip a glass on our deck, and taste our distinctive wines like the award-winning Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll see why we fell for this place. 7050 Fairplay Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-2785 [email protected] www.shadowranch.com SIERRA OAKS ESTATES Open Wed. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Our family-run winery has become one of the premium stops in the foothills. When you visit, you can sample gold-medal winning wines like our Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We also offer wines under our Obscurity Cellars label, home to wines from off-the-beaten path grape varieties like Alicante Bouschet and Petit Verdot. Our vineyards are on sunny slopes with daily breezes and cool mountain nights that make them perfect for great wine. The unique combination of soil and climate creates the ideal growing environment for rich and complex world class red wine grapes. You’ll experience our devotion to the craft when you taste our estate Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot and more. PERRY CREEK WINERY Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm SIERRA VISTA VINEYARDS & WINERY Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 6470 Irish Acres Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-5303 or (877) OAK-STONE [email protected] www.oakstone-winery.com We’re the home of the legendary Zinman Zinfandel and the Altitude: 2401 reserve series, and you’ll taste how we develop distinct California flavors with a modern European twist. Visit the tasting room and enjoy lunch on the veranda or in the park with music. Our goal is to have our wines dance on your palate and awaken your spirit. 7400 Perry Creek Road (P.O. Box 350) Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-5175 or (800) 880-4026 [email protected] www.perrycreek.com 8171 Mt. Aukum Road, Suites 104-105 Mt. Aukum, CA 95656 (530) 620-7079 [email protected] www.sierraoaksestates.com We have handcrafted estate grown wines here since 1977, and our sustainably farmed vineyards produce award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, and our specialty – Rhône wines. We offer daily complimentary tastings, plus library tastings on most weekends. Visit us, relax in our picnic area, and enjoy our majestic views. 4560 Cabernet Way Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622 -7221 or (800) 946-3916 [email protected] www.sierravistawinery.com WINERIES SINGLE LEAF VINEYARDS & WINERY Open Wed. - Sun., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Our meticulous farming and low yields produce intensely flavored, vibrant wines from our estate grapes and our traditional winemaking style produces five award-winning Zinfandels, plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Barbera, Ports and more. Our lush vineyards surround the tasting area and provide you the perfect casual yet elegant atmosphere. 7480 Fairplay Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-3545 [email protected] www.singleleaf.com SKINNER VINEYARDS & WINERY Open Fri.- Sunday 11:00 to 5:00 or by appointment Our family first planted vineyards in these foothills in 1861 and that legacy lives on in our commitment to exceptional wines reflecting the spirit of the foothills. When you visit our state-of-the-art winery, you can taste some of the Rhône varietals that our family used at the start, then sit on our patio and take in our staggering views. 8054 Fair Play Road Somerset, CA 95684 (530) 620-2220 [email protected] www.skinnervineyards.com SYNAPSE WINES Open Mon. - Thurs., 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Fri. - Sat., 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Sun., 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Make the connection! Our microwinery is a happy pairing of two wine-loving families. Our unique, limited-production wines pair well with family, friends and conversation. Relax and enjoy a tasting flight or glass of estate-grown wine in our unique urban tasting room at the historic Cary House Hotel in downtown Placerville. Open evenings with live music on weekends. 304 Main Street Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 626-9463 [email protected] www.synapsewines.com Open daily 11:00 am - 5:00 pm The Taff family invites you to visit our lovely spacious tasting room, then relax on our shaded deck or picnic alongside our vineyards. We make our award-winning wines in a range of styles, and we have something for everyone – including our Shady Lady Primitivo that was named the Best of Show Red at the 2011 California State Fair. 7360 Perry Creek Road Fair Play, CA 95684 (530) 620-4054 [email protected] www.windwalkervineyard.com WOFFORD ACRES Open weekends 11:00 am – 5:00 pm year round. Call for seasonal weekday hours. When you visit us at the end of a country road, you’ll find award-winning wines, spectacular views of the American River Canyon and a tasting room with a cozy, casual intimacy where you’ll often chat with winemaker Paul. Picnic outside and see why we say, “Come for the wine and stay for the view.” 1900 Hidden Valley Lane Camino, CA 95709 (530) 626-6858, (888) WAV-Wine or (888) 928-9463 [email protected] www.wavwines.com EXPERIENCE EL DORADO HOSPITALITY RESTAURANTS ACCOMMODATIONS 2) Heyday Café 325 Main Street • Placerville • (530) 626-9700 Wed. & Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm, Sun. 11 am - 8 pm www.heydaycafe.com Fresh California Cuisine with French and Italian influences. Cozy setting in a Gold Rush era building on historic Main Street. Over 40 wines by the glass. Reservations recommended. B) Historic Cary House Hotel 300 Main Street • Placerville • (530) 622-4271 www.caryhouse.com Since 1857 – 38 units. Banquet room for up to 50 people. Free Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfast. Historic and convenient Main Street location. Weddings, Meetings, Family Reunions. 1) Cascada 384 Main Street • Placerville • (530) 344-7757 Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 8:30 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 9:30 pm www.cascadaonmainstreet.com An eclectic mix of Mexican favorites, California cuisine, and Latin flare. Upscale setting without the upscale price. Extensive wine list featuring local wines and a full open bar. Open 7 days a week. A) Albert Shafksy House Bed & Breakfast 2942 Coloma Street • Placerville • (530) 642-2776 www.shafsky.com A Queen Anne Victorian home with three uniquely themed guest rooms. Locally grown and produced El Dorado County wines greet you upon arrival. A delicious homemade breakfast crafted with fresh ingredients is our way to give you the best start each morning. 3) Brick’s Eats & Drinks 482 Main Street • Placerville • (530) 303-3480 Mon. - Sun. 11 am - 9 pm • www.bricksonmainstreet.com Upscale Pub-like atmosphere with a full bar and local wines. Lots of appetizers, entrees, salads, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and pasta. C) Eden Vale Inn 1780 Springvale Road • Placerville • (866) 914-8445 www.EdenValeInn.com Relax in the rustic sophistication of this luxury B&B. Seven rooms, SPA tubs, HDTV, free wireless Internet and phones, gourmet breakfast, extensive gardens, swimming pond and dog friendly. 4) The Independent Restaurant and Bar 629 Main Street, Suite 102 • Placerville • (530) 626-9070 Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 8:30 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 9:30 pm www.independenceplacerville.com Full service restaurant and bar featuring American Fusion Cuisine, local and regional wines and artisanal cocktails. Seasonal outdoor dining available. D) Fleming Jones Homestead Bed & Breakfast 3170 Newtown Road • Placerville • (530) 344-0943 www.robinsnestranch.com Serenity, nature and gourmet delights on 11 acres. Closest B&B to both Fair Play and Apple Hill wineries. Five rooms; dogs welcome in bunkhouse. Champion miniature horses, historic homestead, gracious hospitality. 5) Log Cabin Café at Sierra Banquet Center 3220 Pondorado Road • Camino • (530) 644-0345 Lunch & dinner Thurs. - Sat. 11 am - 8 pm, Sun. 10 am -2 pm. Entertainment and event venue, elegant log cabin cafe and gardens. Just off Highway 50. Reservations highly recommended. E) Enchanted April Inn 5950 Salmon Falls Road • Pilot Hill • (916) 939-9144 www.enchantedaprilinn.com Are you ready for a vacation from the ordinary?? Experience the magic of Enchanted April. Inn! Not just a destination…but a state of mind! Treat yourself to an outdoor massage & breakfast on the patio next to the reflecting pond or in the elegant dinning room. A perfect romantic get-away! 6) Sienna Restaurant 3909 Park Drive • El Dorado Hills • (916) 941-9217 Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 8:30 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 9:30 pm www.siennarestaurants.com Full service restaurant and bar with two outside patios; beautiful, intimate restaurant with gas fireplaces. Serving California Cuisine SPECIALTY SHOPS & ATTRACTIONS 7) Mia Sorella 4356 Town Center Boulevard #12 • El Dorado Hills • (916) 933-9329 Mon.-Thurs. 10 am - 6 pm, Fri.-Sat. 10 am - 7 pm; Sun. 10 am - 4 pm www.miasorella.com Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegars from around the world for tasting and purchasing. Other gourmet food items, kitchen wares, music, art, books, beauty and other gifts. 8) Hale Winery Refrigeration Consulting 6601 Trilby Court • Citrus Heights • (916) 910-2637 www.halewineryrefrigeration.com Commercial winery refrigeration consulting including service and repair. 20+ years experience. F) Fleming Wine Country Retreat 7181 Idlewild Road • Somerset • (530) 620-7917 www.victoriaflemingswineretreat.com Country Cottage for overnight guests. Continental breakfast and many amenities. Bed and Breakfast Inns of El Dorado County www.goldcountrylodging.com Exquisite lodging in quaint country homes, Victorians, ranches, lodges and contemporary inns. Located in all your favorite destinations: Coloma, Georgetown, Placerville, Lake Tahoe and Fair Play. ASSOCIATIONS El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Association California’s wine grape cultivation began in El Dorado County even before the Gold Rush of 1849. Topography, soils and altitudes in our area create varied micoclimates consistent with the best known grape growing regions of the world. The premium grapes grown in these settings are ideally suited for diversification of wine product lines, unique offerings to wine clubs or differentiation in today’s competitive marketplace. Grapes from the Foothills to the wines of El Dorado County.